Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Bits and Pieces


Sunday's fair

This week is half term week and it has been busy with the trips to the dentist, doctor and shopping. Pickle-Lily attended three fairs at the week-end, the one on Saturday was very quiet and disappointing, Sunday was super (took four orders for my name plaques)  and Monday very windy. Monday was outside, in gazebos and we had to pack up at about 1.30 pm as we were in danger of taking off and going to Oz!
We still have a visit to the grandparents, a sleepover, the Big Gig for P-L and Mr P-L and son are doing a rugby referee course, to fit in before it's back to school on Monday!

This is one of my new dies  for the Big Shot, which I am having great fun with - a ric rac die! I love felt ric rac and have been buying it ready made up till now, but with this new toy I can make my own in any colour I want now!!
Bit catcher and pin cushion
This is my last bit to share with you - a bit big! I had seen these around and really wanted to make one of my own and now I have! It is so handy to put next to the sewing machine or where I am sitting working! A weighted pin cushion and an open bag to put bits in - genuis, if I say so my self!!

Thursday, 23 May 2013

Today I held a cockroach

Or to be exact a hissing cockroach, and stroked a beautiful rainbow boa snake and a rat called Flash.
yes - it is real!
Today, as part of the day job I visited Bristol Zoo. We had a great time, despite the weather, hail, wind, rain and even a little bit of sun. We used to visit it lots, when Pickle-Lily and her brother were younger. But sadly big brother became too sophisticated for such places and I hadn't been for a few years.
I met lion cubs, my favourite the red panda was having his breakfast when we arrived - and lots of dinosaurs. They were a huge hit, especially the ones that squirted you with water!

cool!





 
The best part for me - I am just really proud that I held that cockroach!

Sunday, 12 May 2013

And another new idea

This week I was asked to create a name plaque out of felt for a little girl. Specific colours were required - rose pink and purple. The creative juices started flowing, and this is my finished make.
personalised name plaque
Not a brilliant photo, but it has been very overcast here today, but hopefully you can get an idea. All the letters are hand stitched on, which took me a fair while.
blanket stitched letters
I'm so pleased with it that I think I may add these to my repertoire. So I'm now working on a boy's version with a glittery star as the motif. My only problem is (the eternal one ) how much do I charge?
work in progress
 I'm planning to join in with Handmade Monday this week, and catch up with everyone over the week. Why don't you join in too?

Thursday, 2 May 2013

An apple for the teacher

Here in Somerset the sun has been shining for the past few days and it has already made me think about the summer holidays and end of term.
Hand knitted in cotton
So. I've redesigned my teacher gifts for this year, although the apple cosy has stayed the same, as it is still popular.
Apple keyrings
New notebook design
I'm really pleased with this design, and I hope these will go down well on my Folksy shop.